strife or vain-glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better then themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Let this mind be in you which was also in Chrst Jesus In whom I rest Your Friend and Brother in the Unity and Purity of the Gospel R. LAWRENCE THE CONTENTS TRuth seldom found in extreams p. 1. Searchers after truth must suspect danger of erring on each hand p. 1. 2. As the door of the Church may be opened too wide so it may be shut too close p. 2. That since God hath had a Church on earth its separation from the World and unity in its self have been required by him as an equal duty p. 3. All the Reformed Churches justifie separation p. 4. The General notion of a competent knowledge and suitable conversation are to intricate and uncertain rules to be the visible bounds of Gods visible Church p. 5 6 The Lord hath alwayes preserved to his Church a visible undisputable bound betwixt them and the World p. 6. 7 8. Circumcision and Abrahams seed in the Type and Antitype was foreordained established to be the infallible and everlasting bounds of Gods visible Church on earth p. 8 9. It continued so unquestionable untill Christ came who only changed the Type for the Antitype p. 9 10. Believers ought to make the same use of the Antitype under the Gospel the Type served for under the Law p. 10 11. The Antitype of Circumcision and Abrahams seed is visible Grace and Holiness p. 11. Which Paul affirms to be the visible bound of Gods Church and mark of Gods children to Rome and Galatia c. p. 11 12. Antichrist set up his Kingdom by laying waste these Gospel Bounds and Christians open the door to all division and confusion by not repairing them p. 13. 14. Gods Church must not only be a City of righteousness but a City with Walls p. 15. All Churches of Saints ought to own one another as true Churches of Christ and fellow members of his body p. 16. Seven General Heads from whence the arguments to prove the duty of Saints union as such are drawn p. 17 18. 1. From the choyce and approbation of the Father p. 19. Prooving that such as the Father hath manifested his visible Choyce and approbation of to be his Children beleevers ought to admit and chuse to be their Brethren p 9 Christ and all Saints have but one Father for which cause he was not ashamed of their infirmities p. 20. 21. 2. General head is from the choyce and approbation of God the Son p. 22. Christ a perfect Emblem of union in his person p. 22. Christ had no helper in his work nor no partner in his relations to his Church that Gods designe of union in him might be visible p. 22. Christs chiefe designe in assuming our nature was a work of union p. 23. Christ walked by uniting Principles prest uniting dutyes and commended uniting Graces most to his People p. 23 24. Christ owned all visible gracious persons to be members of his body therefore ought all Saints to own them so p. 25. The 3 sort of Arguments is drawn from the visible choice and approbation of the holy Spirit p. 26. The most infallible rule to chuse Church-members by is to follow the track of the Spirits choyce p. 27. The sanctifying effects of the spirit in Saints ought to be admitted as sufficient testimony of the Spirits choyce p. 27. No beleevers without some visible mark of the Spirits choyce p. 28. Prooved that this choyce of the spirit instates a Beleever in all Gospel relations and Priviledges both in the Kingdom of grace and glory p. 29. The 4 general head from whence arguments are drawn is from the visible choyce and approbation of the infallible servants of God in all ages p. 30. They made the choyce of the Father Son and Spirit their choyce p. 30. They laid more weight upon the duty and mercy of the Churches union then upon most others dutyes and mercyes p. 31. Paul laid more to heart and endeavored more to preserve the Churches union then all other errors to reform p. 32 33 34. The Argument for Saints union from the whole p. 35. The 5 generall Head from whence Arguments are taken is from the several Metaphors and Similitudes the Church is compared unto in Scripture p. 35. 1. From that of Beleevers being Gods Children and thereby of his Family the housholder of faith p. 36 37. 2. From that of the membership of the same body which relation is inconsistent without union p. 38 39. The 6 general Head is from the sad consequences and effects of our present divisions p 40. Division is usually the forerunner of destruction the former preparing the way for the latter p. 40. Directions to be observed in heart searchings for the cause and cure of Saints divisions p. 41 42 43. The spirit of division sometime imployes our graces as well as our Corruptions to divide by p 42. Knowledge and Zeal much imployod at this day by the spirit of division in dividing work p 42. 43. The sad effects and consequences of our divisions p. 44. 1. They have obstructed and hindred reformation p. 44. 2 They have opened the door and let in upon us that overflowing flood of Errors heresies and blasphemies which many Professors among us are carried away with p. 45. And the continuation of them will make that disease uncurable p. 46. They have been the cause of that great decay in the life and power of Religion amongst us p. 46. They have rendered the power and life of godlyness contemptible in the eyes of Formalists and the carnal multitude p. 47. 5. They have rendered the power and purity of Religion and the professors of it unacceptable in the eyes of authority and several persons in eminent place p. 48 49. 6. They have brought scorn and contempt upon the glorious cause of God in these Nations and have stained the glorious presence of God with his People that had once stained the pride of all the Glory of the World p. 50 51. They have been the cause of the removal of many eminent worthy Instruments from their Publick Stations therby made way for others no wayes spirited nor principled for the places they stand in p. 52. 8. They furnish wicked Magistrates and Ministers with plausible excuses in the exercise of their oppressing persecuting principles p. 53. 9. It is from this spirit of division so many eminent gracious persons in Authority are disabled from doing that good in their places they have otherwaies an opportunity for p. 53 54. The argument for union from the whole p. 55. The 7 General head from whence arguments for Saints union is drawn is from the evident and great good it would be attended with to Gods Church p. 55. 56. 1. Vnity would renew its strength and make it terrible to its enemies p. 56. 57. 2. Vnity would
of these two extreams which disownes visible grace and holiness to be required in persons in order to visible membership or Church-state I shall say no more to that point it being already so largely spoken unto and fully cleared by several of the congregational way and especially that late eminent discoverer of the ancient and infallible bounds of Gods true Church Mr Jo. Cotton in that little Treatise of his besides several others intituled The holiness of Church members for I am far from pressing an unity of Church-state with any that make not visible Grace and holiness the main mark of visible Faith and Church-membership but what union is to be desired and endeavoured with the godly of that judgement I shall give my opinion in its place and shall now chiefly insist upon the second general Position That all true beleevers congregated together and separated from the world and mixt worship to serve the Lord in the beauty of holiness ought to own and esteem one another as true Churches and Saints giving the right hand of fellowship to one another and walking together as children of the same Father Jo. 11.52 Members of the same body Rom. 12.4 5. sheep of the same fold Jo. 10.16 in observance of all those joynt duties required by the Lord at their hands without dividing rending or separating from one another Object The Terms of your Position so generally stated may admit of several constructions and thereby give little light to the cases in controversie though you should prove it if not more particularly explained Answ I shall have occasion to explain the terms in answer to several objections that will arise in the ensuing discourse and therefore for brevitie sake shall pass them by here and shall next proceed to the several sorts of Arguments to prove the Position with Arguments I shall chiefly draw from these seven general heads following First From the visible choice and approbation of God the Father proving that such as the Father hath visibly manifested his choice and approbation of to be his children beleevers ought to chuse and approve of to be their brethren Secondly From the visible choice and approbation of God the Son proving that such as the Lord Jesus Christ hath manifested his choice and approbation of to be members of his visible body and Church on earth all his ought to make choice and approve of to be fellow members with him of the same body Third From the evident choice and approbation of God the holy Ghost proving that such as the spirit hath manifested its visible choice of by the holy inspiration of its quickening and sanctifying Grace beleevers ought to make choice and approve of as such who have an equal right with them to a mutual participation in the priviledges gifts and comforts of the same spirit Fourthly From the choice and approbation of the infallible servants of God his holy Prophets and Apostles c. in all ages proving that such as the infallible servants of God in all ages of his Church have made choice of and approved to be their brethren in the Lord and fellow-members with themselves in Gods visible Church ought to be so approved of and chosen by all his servants to the end of the world Fifthly From the several Similes and Metaphors the Church of God is compared unto in the Scriptures whereby their mutual interest in an union with one another is held forth from thence proving that what unity is required and interest is given to members of the same body branches of the same root sheep of the same fold and under the same Shepherd children of the same Father and fellow-heirs of the same inheritance c. that the same interest is given unto and union required in the several members of Gods Church which is so fitly compared thereto and lively set out thereby Sixthly From the evident sad consequences that attend the Church and people of God though their dividings and separatings from one another and uniting together upon other principles then this of visible grace arguing from thence that such principles and practices as open the door and let in upon the Church of God such destructive uncomfortable consequences should be of all evils laboured against and avoided Seventhly From the evident and unspeakable good both to the outward and inward man the union of Gods Church upon such Gospel lasting principles would be attended with arguing from thence that since the unity of Gods Church upon such a binding and abiding principle as this of visible grace would so exceedingly tend to the unvaluable good thereof it ought to be sought after and prayed for above all things by every true member thereof next to an interest in Christ and visible grace it self Now from the first head viz the visible choice and approbation of God the Father I argue 1. Those whom the Father hath manifested his visible choice and approbation of to be his children 2. Beleevers ought to manifest their choice and approbation of to be their brethren But the Father hath manifested his choice and approbation of all visible beleevers and grations holy persons to be his children Therefore ought Beleevers to choose and approve of such to be their Brethren 1. The Major or first Proposition is evident from the very light of nature and reason yet since prejudice against truth doth ofttimes put out all light I shall add the light of some Scriptures to the clearing up this truth And first that of our Saviour in Matth. 23. verse 8. compared with the 9th Saith the word in verse 8. All ye are Brethren which he proves in verse 9. For one is your Father which is in Heaven and so Heb. 2.11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethen from which Scripture I gather that the Lord Jesus Christ was not ashamed to own all Saints for Brethren though they were attended with abundance of imperfection and uncomliness unsutatable to his most holy nature and course of life because himself as head and they as members were all of one Father that since his Father was not ashamed to own them all as Sons verse 10. therefore he was not ashamed to own then all as Brethren verse 11. Now it is a sad thing that fellow Brethren who are all subject to like infirmities Jam. 5.17 who do all see but in part and know but in part 1. Cor. 13.9 10 11. should be more high-minded in this case and sooner ashamed of their Brethren upon the account of their infirmities and weakness then their elder Brother who was free from all imperfections and stood in no need of their bearing with him he bore all their sins not onely in the punishment but in the shame of them Heb. 12.2 thereby setting them a pattern to bear the shame of each others infirmities for so argues Paul Rom. 15.1 2 3. We then that are strong ought to bear
renew its purity p. 57. 3. Vnity would repaire its reputation and esteem p. 57 58. 4. Vnity would renew its growth and increase p. 59. 60. 5. Vnity would abundantly renew its joy and comfort p. 61. The Argument from the whole p. 62. From whom objections may be expected p. 63. How the objections are stated to the Reader p. 64. 1. Object Against the admission of erroneous persons answered p. 65. And wherein is proved that persons holding greater errors then Generally Saints now separate upon were admitted communion with the Primitive Churches p. 65. 66. Much more reason for Gods Ministers and Churches to permit Erroneous persons into communion now then then p. 67. 2. Object That this Principle admits all Errors and heresies in Gods Church answered p. 67. In which answer is shewn what sort of errors or erroneous persons Gods Churches and people ought to withdraw from p 68. to 77. 3. Object Raised from the 2 Thess 3.6 concerning disorderly walking and disobedience answered from p. 77. to 83. 4. Object Whether the power of Religion can consist without the true form answered p 83. 84 5. Object From the inconsistency of unity with Principles directly opposite one to another answered p. 85. 6. Object Against the too generall stateing the case and not coming to those particular points wherein the difference lies answered p. 86. 7. Object From the unpossibility of Gospell union untill the fulfilling of the glorious promises relating to the later times answered p. 87. Wherein is proved that there is as much reason to deferr our indeavors after the increase of knowledge and purity as after unity p. 87. 88. Vnity must precede Glory to Christs Church p. 88. Division lies as much in the way of Christs glory now as unbelief did formerly in the way of his grace p. 89. The promises of the Churches glory hold forth an universality of peace purity and glory to all Saints p. 89. The union we are capable of attaining is not to proceed from the agreement of our understandings wherein we differ but in the exercise of Grace one towards another while thus differing p. 90. The Lord hath supplyed his Church with speciall uniting graces as the meanes to assist them in this speciall uniting duty as the end p. 91. They that begin the work of Saints union by disputing and reasoning them into the same understanding begin at the wrong end p. 92 93. Saints too apt to be pâ—aring upon each others infirmities p. 94. Object From the prejudice that is in Christians against each others opinions and principles answered p. 95. Directions to such as shall set upon the work of Saints union p. 96. 1. Direction to labour to informe themselves of the worth of the mercy and weight of the duty p. 95. 2. Direction to arme themselves against all discouragements and dificulties they must expect to meet with therein p. 96. 3. To take heed of exercising any of the Spirit of divisions weapons in the Spirit of unions cause p. 96. 97. 4. Labour to obtain a Compassionate tender frame of Spirit p. 97. 5 Set thy affections on those things in Saints wherein the Image of Christ is most visible p. 99. 6. Labor to abound in uniting graces p. 99. 100. 7. Labour to preserve a proportionable growth of of grace in thy soule p. 100. 8. Be most exercised in those duties thy place and abilities most cal thee unto and fit thee for p. 102. 103. Further directions to Gospel Ministers in order to Saints union p. 103. 104 1. To be sensible of the sad effects of the divisions amongst themselves 104. 105. 106. 2. Then to study all holy waies of furthering the worke of union p. 107. 3. To change their sharp censurings and blamings into intreatings and beseechings p. 108. 4. To commend what is good as well as condemn what is evill in those differing from them p 109. 5. To lay no more stress upon the errors reproved then the Scripture doth p. 110. 6. To take heed of so intailing errors one to another as to charge upon persons holding some lesser error with others they detest the thoughts of p. 111. 7. To beware in so opposing errors controversall in some they do not thereby commend errors fundamentall in others p. 112. Christians of all hands are too apt to manifest more indignation against some holy persons for controversall errors differing from them then against visible ungodliness and open prophanness in them that in opinion close with them p. 113. 114. Little helpe to be expected in the work of Saints union from such as have much engaged themselves in the evil of Saints devisions p. 115. Therefore those that have the evill of Saints divisions upon their hearts ought the more to labor for unity p. 116. 1. By being much in prayer together and apart for Saints union p. 116. 2. To study to propagate the principles of this truth p. 117. 3. To set up some beginnings in Gospel fellowship upon this Gospell principle p. 117. 118. Object From the aversness of particular Churches and from thence the danger of further divisions upon the promoting this principle answered p. 118 119 120. Object From the inconsistency of persons not agreeing in judgment to walke together in fellowship without obstructing the mutuall edification of the whole answered p. 121 122. Object From the disadvantage that some controverted despised truths might receive thereby answered p 123. 124. Object From the opposition that may arise from such of the godly as are against all separation answered p. 126 127. Object From the difficulty of walking towards such whose Conversion though hopeful may be very doubtfull answered p. 128. 129. A censorious Spirit and provoking carriage towards any professing Christianity though not visibly gracious is blameable and hurtfull p. 130. What cases may give a dispensation from the present promoting this or any other pretious truth among some people p. 131. What the dross and rubish of Christians principles and spirits are that hinder them from uniting which Gods Ministers should be labouring to remove in order to unity when they can do nothing else towards it p. 132 133. Christians usually more curious about the dish the Lord presents the bread of life to them in then the purity and spirituallness of the bread it selfe p. 134. Vnpossible for Saints ever to come to an union wherein they differ untill they come to a communion in what they are agreed p. 135. The Spirit of division never speakes good of differing Christians one to another p. 136 The Spirit of division confines the hearts of Saints in prayer and praises to a few of Gods people and ofttimes sets them in opposition one to another at the throne of grace p. 137 138. This evil principle leades to a wresting misapplying the pretious promises and precepts of Christ and to misguide us in our obedience to God and duty towards our Bretheren p. 139. What the Author drives at in all he hath spoke to Gospell
in Vnity c. The whole Psalm is a compendium of the blessings and excellencies of the Churches Vnity So observe Solomons discription of a sower of discord among Brethren Prov. 6.12 13 14 15 16. verses compared with the 19th verse and you will judge he loved unity well And so David again in Psal 122.6 Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem they shall prosper that love her verse 7. Peace be within thy walls and verse 8. For my Brethren and companions sake I will now say peace be within thee Many Examples might be added but I shall end with Paul who was an eminent example both to Ministers and Christians in the Church uniting work If we should consider him no further then the Church of Corinth he approved himself amongst them a skilfull Physitian furnished with healing medicines which he tenderly administred to that sad divided erroneous Church from whom he had received so much hard measure and ungratefull usage and yet it is evident the peace and union of that Church was more upon his heart to preserve then all its other errours and miscarriage was to reform though they were very great ones and were minded by him in their due place too But the whole being under the profession of visible Saints he writes unto them as fuch without distinction Vnto the Church of God which is at Corinth to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus Called to be Saints c. as in the first chapter and second verse And after he had finished his Preface in the 9th verse begins with that which was most upon his heart verse 10. Now I beseech you Brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no Divisions among you but that ye be perfectly joyned together in the same minde and in the same judgment for it hath been declared unto me of you my brethren of them which of are the house of Cloe that there are contentions among you ver 11. Now this I say that every one of you saith I am of Paul I of Apollo and I of Cephas and I of Christ ver 12. is Christ Divided was Paul crucified for you c. or were you baptized into the name of Paul ver 13. But if you please to observe the main scope and drift of this holy Apostle in the 1 2 3 10 12 13 and 14. Chapter of this first Epistle they all drive at union teaching uniting principles and pressing uniting practices affirming to them that whatsoever pretences or arguments they might have to justifie their Divisions c. yet they must necessarily arise from carnal principles Chap. 3. verse 3. And in the 12th Chapter he commends to their consideration unanswerable uniting Arguments in the 13th Chapter he presseth them to uniting graces in the 14th Chapter directs to uniting Duties videlicet orderly improving their gifts to the Churches Edification So to the Church of Rome Mark them which cause Divisions c. Rom. 16 17. So to the Galatians the 5. and 6. Chapters But if ye bite and devour one another ye shall be consumed one of another Chap. 5.15 So to the Ephesians the 2 3 and 4. Chapters especially Chap. 4. verse 1 2 3 4 5 6. I therefore the Prisoner of the Lord beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called with all lowliness and meckness with long-suffering forbearing one another in Love endeavouring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace there is one Body and one Spirit even as ye are called in one Hope of your calling One Lord One Faith One Baptism One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all So to the Phil. 2. 1 2 3 4 5. especially the first verse If there be any consolation in Christ if any comfort of Love if any fellowship of the Spirit if any bowels and mercies Fulfil ye my joy that ye be like minded having the same love being of one accord of one minde Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory but in lowliness of minde let each esteem other better then themselves Look not every man on his own things but every man also on the things of others Let this minde be in you which was also in Christ Jesus So to the Colossians Chap. 3.12 13 14 15 verses Put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercy kindeness humbleness of minde meekness long-suffering for-bearing one another and forgiving one another if any man hath a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye And above all these things put on Charity which is the bond of perfectness And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body and be ye thankfull And thus we might track him through all his Epistles he hath sometimes more or less of this doctrine as the state of the people to whom he writ required By which exhortations and earnest perswasions you may observe how much the unity of Gods Churches and Saints were upon the heart of this blessed Apostle having doubtless that Maxime of our Saviour much upon his heart that a Church no more then a Kingdom or house divided against it self could not stand Matthew 12.25 From all which I Argue That if the union of Gods Church and preventing divisions and separations amongst his people were upon the hearts of the most holy and faithfull servants of God in all ages and sttates of the Church as a principal and special mercy to labour the attaining of it then ought to be of the same esteem and weight with all his now But that is evident by what hath been said before Ergo the union of Gods Church c. ought to be principally upon the hearts of the servants of God now 5. The fifth general Head from whence we shall argue is from the several Similitudes and Metaphors the Church of God is compared unto in Scripture whereby their mutual interest in union with one another is so lively held forth of which I shall onely mention some few by which the Reader may make use of the rest to the same end First From the Similitude of Beleevers being Gods Children Gal. 3.26 and thereby of his houshsld Gal. 6.10 Ephes 2.1 from whence I Argue That all persons who stand in an equal relation to God as children and are thereby all equally of Gods family of the houshâ—ld of faith Gal. 6.10 have all an equal right unto and interest in the priviledges and provisions of Gods house proportionable to their place therein nay though prodigal children if they will return may encourage themselves so to do from the consideration of that interest they have in the plenty of bread in their Fathers house Luke 15.17 but all visible gracious persons or true beleevers do stand in an equal relation to God as Children and thereby of his houshould Ergo
out and remove the cause and partly to prepare and arme themselves against the necessary and sad consequences that might attend them which Duty the division of our days among Gods people loudly calls for which to speak a word unto I shall make a little digression which is to entreat all who desire in sincerity to set upon this work of heart-searching in order to find out the cause and avoid the cosequences of the sad Divisions amongst us to consider the following directions 1. Search thine own heart and way throughly for this cursed spirit of Division may have hidde it self under such plausible pretences of good that whilst thou seekest for it among thy temptations and corruptions it may be close hid in several of thy best duties and religious qualifications And therefore if thou find him not amongst thy temptations of pride of minde self conceit affecting Singularity a desire to seem some body amongst those with whom thou walkest a loving preheminence over thy Brethren or in a froward rash uncharitable spirit c. If thou searchest thy heart throughly and find him not dwelling there under the Covert of these or the like temptations or corruptions then proceed to a further heart searching as to the tryall of thy graces and religious dutyes for this spirit of darkness knows how to transform it self into an angel of light If thou beest one that hath attained to an eminent knowledge and hath found out the mind of God in some special truths that many other of Gods people are dark in then search whether thy knowledge hath not pufft thee up as in 1 Cor. 4.18.19 4 chap. verse 8. Col. 2.8 and begotten in thee an high esteeme of thine own things Phil. 2.4 and a low esteem of the things of others Phil. 2.3 Whether thy gifts graces and religious endowments have not been more employed by thee in promoting and propagating of disputable points and doubtfull questions Rom. 14.1 tending rather to strife about words 1 Tim. 6.4 and 2 Tim. 2.23 and vaine janglins 1 Tim. 1.7 then to godly edifying 1 Cor. 14.26 Whether by thy knowledge thou hast not laid a stumbling block in thy weak brothers way Rom. 14.13 by pressing upon him more remote dutys while the immediate duties of his present state in grace have been neglected contrary to that of our Saviour who had many things to say but could not say them then because the Disciples could not bear them John 16.12 And to that of Paul who could not speak to the Church of Corinth as spirituall but unto carnal even unto babes in Christ 1 Cor. 3. 1. And therefore fed them with milke and not with strong meat verse 2. I say search and examine whether thy knowledge hath not been employed by this Spirit of Division in some such or the like failings which hath so visibly tended to the promoting the dissentions and divisions among Gods People But secondly Art thou one that hath attained to an extraordinary zeal for God his wayes and truths that thou thinkest thou couldest say with the Psalmist The zeal of thy House hath eaten me up Psal 69.9 then search and try thy zeal for fear this spirit of division hath not hid it self there the Jews misguided zeal mentioned Acts 21.20 provoked them to cry out against Paul verse 28. Men of Israel help this is the man that teacheth all men everywhere against the people and the Law and this place c. It was Paul's misguided zeal before conversion for the tradition of his fathers Gal. 1.14 that provoked him beyond measure to persecute the Church of God and waste it verse 13. and so Phil. 3.6 And therefore when thou art zealous be sure it be in a good thing Gal. 4 18. It is dangerous being exceedingly zealous for points of Doctrine or practice in matters disputable and much controverted betwixt both godly and able Christians least whilest like those Pharisees Luke 11.42 thou be zealous in Tything Mint and Rue and pass over Judgement and the Love of God For as holy zeal rightly managed is the most excellent grace among Christians so misguided is the most dangerous and thus in thy searchings of heart for the divisions among Saints go on by the same rule to search and try every grace and gift in thee lest thou missest of thy care in searching the wound Now for the sad effects and evil consequences flowing from Divisions among Christians I may say they are unmentionable for it is very hard to name an evil that at this day the people of God and this Commonwealth groans under that our Divisions hath not had an hand in if not the main cause of Is there cause to complain the much prayed for and expected reformation hath been obstructed and retarded Why consider whether Division hindred it not if the generality of the godly could but agreed on good things to have proposed them or joyntly desired them we have not wanted an Authority to have granted and confirmed them but the several opinions and perswasions in Religion have had every one a Reformation to promote wherein an equal provision of liberty and encouragement for all that are truly godly have been declined and the extreams of each of their different perswasions insisted on like the cruel harlot Solomon gave judgement against they have rather chosen half a dead child then their opposites should enjoy a living one 2. Is there cause to complain of the spreading of Errors Heresies and Blasphemies c. Why Division opens the door for them for every one making their particular opinions a particular different Religion and separating thereupon hath given a kinde of reputation to â—â—â—aration though it be from the most pure Churches and holy people so that if any make shipwrack of Faith and a good conscience and suck in principles inconsistent with grace and godliness And observe they will not be born among the people with whom they then walked why it is but separating and setting up for themselves and they have field-room enough to sowe their tares in Whereas were the people of God who are sound in the Substantials of Religion united together within the bounds before mentioned and exercising that discipline God hath set in his Church it would bear an Authority that as the Apostle saith 2 Thes 3.14 Tit. 2.8 The offending person would be ashamed which now it doth not for now the personmarked Rom. 16.17 or withdrawn from with all others observing him not of the same way or fellowship with them that past the censure do but look at it as a censure past by a few Christians upon the account of opinion and from thence heed it not That I may say the solemn Ordinances of Christ for the healing and recovery of the diseased and infected of his people are become contemptible which nothing but the union of his Church that the censure of one congregation may be the censure of the whole will remedy And then if the walls of our Gospel Jerusalem
and David my Servant shall be King over them and they all shal have one Shepherd so Zech. 14.9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one But more particularly 1. This glorious union of Gods Church would renew its strength that though now in its divided shattered state it shews it self like Israel scattered abroad throughout all the Land of Egypt to gather stubble Exod. 5.12 in which state every Petty task-master of Pharcah can exercise Tyranny over them veâ—s 14. but if once united they would then be in the sight of their enemies as Israel gathered together was in the plains of Moab terrible for their enemies to look upon Numb 22.3 their beholders then instead of cursing of them would say How goodly are thy tents O Jacob and thy Tabernacles O Israel Numbers 24.5 He hath as it were the strength of an Vnicorn he shall eat up the Nations his enemies and shall break their bones and pierce them through with his arrows verse 8. The Church in its united State is like a City with walls and bulwarks Isa 26.1 In that day shall this song be sung in the Land of Judah We have a strong City Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks Beautifull as Tirzah comly as Jerusalem Terrible as an Army with Baxners Cant. 6.4 10. 2. The renewing of the Churches unity would renew its purity when there shall be One Lord and his Name One Zach. 14.9 Every Pot in Judah and Jerusalem shall be holy unto the Lord verse 21. The way of the Lord shall then be called the way of holiness Isay 35.8 compared with the 9th The Gates of the holy City might then be shut that there should no more pass through the uncircumcised and unclean 3. The Churches unity would repair its reputation and esteem the precious sons of Sion more precious then fine gold how are they esteemed as earthen Pitchers in their scattered divided State Lam. 4.2 The Church may then truly complain how is the gold become dim the most fine gold changed the stones of the Sanctuary are poured out on the top of every street verse 1. they are despised as the Common pibbles of the Brook every vile abject every mean base vile-spirited man can look uppon precious Saints if but branded with a nicknamed Religion as a meaner creature then himself of which the Church complains Psal 44.11 Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat and hast scattered us among the heathen and from thence in the 13th verse complains thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours and a scorn and derision to them that are round about us thou makest us a by-word among the heathen and a shaking of the head among the people But when Sion comes to be a City with Walls and Towers Psal 48.12 13. then Beautifull for stituation the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion verse 2. then the abjects and base people shall be so far from scorning her and shaking the head at her That loe Kings when assembled and pass by together shall see her they shall marvel and be troubled and haste away fear shall take hold upon them and pain as on a woman in travel verses 4 5 6. 4. The renewing the unity of the Church will renew the growth and increase of the Church it is a sad and just complaint of many of the godly in these dayes that converting work ceaseth we are spending all upon the old Stock Why what hinders as a second cause so much as our divisions I am perswaded that never since the ascention of him that ascended up on high to give gifts unto men and the cessation of extraordinary gifts there hath been such a measure of spiritual gifts given forth as this day affoords never more painfull Labourers sent into Gods harvest nor more able faithfull Pastors and Teachers given to his Churches of all perswasions for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ Ephes 4.11 12. But this overflowing spirit of Division like a sweeping rain in harvest carries all the fruit away or like the frosts in spring nips all in the bud This spirit may well be reckoned as the chief of those little foxes that spoils the vines for our vines have tender grapes as Cant. 2.15 for no sooner is a soul brought to a sense of his lost estate by nature and begins to enquire after Christ to say with the Jaylor What shall I do but forthwith it meets with from this spirit such a multitude of needless or at lest unseasonable questions and doubts in its minde about some of the points in controversie that dissolves all its beginnings of heart-work into head-work that most of Christs new born babes at this day instead of desiring the sincere milk of the word to grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2 will at first begin to drink wine and feed on strong meat which they being not able to digest fall into spiritual surfeits from whence proceed spiritual loathings of heavenly things spiritual sicknesses and diseases of all sorts which so many poor Professors at this day lie languishing under whereas if once the Lord should unite his people upon the principles of visible grace all would then be joyntly concerned chiefly to propagate those principles of grace and godliness upon which they were united and though most of the points in controversie might remain of weight upon the hearts of all that sincerely hold them to be faithfull to their consciences in walking up in the practice of them yet there would be an holy tenderness of troubling the heads of young Converts or weak Christians with unreasonable scruples but each sober mind would take the Apostles advice Rom. 14.1 Him that is weak in the faith receive you but not to doubtfull disputations And with the Apostle Peter would exhort them to add to their faith vertue and to vertue knowledge and to knowledge temperance and to temperance patience and to patience godliness and to godliness brotherly kindeness and to brotherly kindness charity 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. and to tell them if these things be in them and abound they shall neither be barren nor unfruitfull in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ verse 8. That the unity of Gods people in principles of visible grace and godliness would much tend to the encrease and growth of Gods Church therefore in the glorious day of the Churches Vnion Isa 60. when violence shall no more be heard in the land nor wasting nor destruction within thy borders but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation and thy gates praise verse 18. Then shall Kings come to thy light and Kings to the brightness of thy rising verse 3. then shall the Abundance of the Sea be Converted unto thee verse 5. It shall be then said who are these that flye like a Cloud and as the Doves to the Windows verse 8. The Sons also
affection and no judgement others all judgement and no affection some have zeal but want knowledge others have knowledge but want zeal whereas light and heat goes together if grace be of a true growth Now this time of unevenness in thy graces will much disinable thee for uniting work for herein thou wilt be like the foolish Physitian who hath but one sort of medicines for all diseases and constitutions whereas that which cures some kills others and therefore Job's friends though good men applying the wrong plaister to his sore he esteems them to be Physitians of no value Job 13.4 How forcible are right words saith he but what doth your Arguments reprove that is words rightly applied sutable to the condition of the person or people unto whom they are spoke and seasonable to the time and place occasion therefore saith Isaiah Chap. 50.4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned that I should know how to speak a word in season c. so the wise man Prov. 25.11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver and as an earing of gold an ornament of fine gold so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear Now until thou hast a spiritual judgment as well as spiritual affections thou wilt not be capable of Understanding the season of a duty nor the right way of performing and applying it 8. Be most consciencious and diligent in performing that duty in order to this good work that is most properly thy own unto which thou art most clearly call'd by that place or condition Providence hath set thee in either in Church or Commonwealth and thy abilities and gifts in such thy place do most fit thee for the want of a due regard thereto amongst Christians hath greatly encreased and promoted their Divisions for order of Place is necessary to union and harmony in all things whether natural Civil or Spiritual for what a confusion in nature would it be for the hands to be performing the work of the feet or the feet the hands or the eye to usurp the office of the ear or the ear of the eye which Metaphor the Apostle makes use of in 1 Cor. 12. to teach the divided Corinthians that order of Place was necessary to union of Saints which he proves first in regard all had not the same gifts verses 8 9 10 11. 2 in regard all had not the same Place or office verse 28 29. God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondly Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healing helps of governments diversities of tongues are all Apostles are all Prophets are all Teachers are all workers of miracles c. wherein he doth not only preserve distinction but also degree of place which he doth not say himself set in the Church though that might have been of sufficient Authority but God hath set them in his Church least the Ringleaders of Division in that Church should have broken the Order under pretence of the insufficiency of the Authority it were appointed by and so the same Apostle observing the inclination of the same People to be expecting changes in their outward condition after they profest the Christian Religion answers several particular Cases 1 Epistle Chap 7. And least any others from the like temptation or mistake should not think themselves concerned in those Answers he layes down some general Rules or precepts to answer all Objections against this truth as verse 20. Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called and so verse 24. Brethren let every man wherein he is called therein abide with God therefore of all duties labour to be performing those dutyes thy present place and calling requires at thy hands in Order to the union of Saints and when the Lord of the harvest finds thee like a good and faithful Servant faithfully improving thy few Talents he will trust thee with many Talents Matt. 25.23 And therefore I shall speak a word to the Ministers of the Gospel by whom I intend not those carnal scandalous dumb dogs who seldom open their mouths unless it be to bark at the precious flock of Christ for to expect better from them would be to expect grapes of Thorns and figs of thistles but I mean such as are gracious holy men solemnly set apart to serve the Lord in that work of what judgment or perswasion soever as to the present contoversies among the Godly who are not only to be fellow-Labourers but Master-builders in this work of Saints union And it is my opinion they have had the first and chiefest hand in Saints Divisions so it is my earnest prayers they might be owned and fitted by the Lord in the first and chief place in this work of Saints union Now that which I shall propose to them is First that you Labour to be sensible of the sad effects of those sad Divisions that have been amongst your selves and from thence those unbrotherly untender and uncharitable carriages in your publick writings and speakings one towards another that I am assured many private Christians of the same perswasions with you have been grieved and ashamed to read and hear though the generality of Christians are too apt to be pleased most with such of their teachers as are most vehement against those contrary minded to them and from thence hath that general overflowing spirit of division and dissentions which we now complain of received its life and nourishment That the Lord hath cause to complain as in Isa 4.12 O my people they which lead thee caused thee to erre and destroy the way of thy paths if the leaders of the people go before them in a froward contentious uncharitable spirit towards one another in matters wherein they differ no marvel if the generality of their followers tread on each others heels in that crooked path Therefore if no other Argument be prevailing let the consideration of the sad divided condition of Gods Church and people produced by your example affect your hearts that you cannot with that comfort and authority repeat that exhortation to the Saints under your charge that Paul gave to the Church of Philippi Chap. 3 having in the 15 and 16. verses exhorted them to union and directed them how to preserve it he exhorts in verse 17 Brethren be ye followers together of me and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample so he exhorts Timothy Chap. 4. after he had spent the former part of the Chapter in Instructions to him concerning the Errors and Divisions that were in his Flock he then exhorts him verse 12. But be thou an example of the Beleevers in word in conversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity and so Peter in his first Epistle Chap. 5.3 he exhorts the elders that were among them not to be as lords over Gods heritage but to be examples to the Flock I am far from saying that none of Gods Ministers at